Reddit users praise sulfur ointment to treat cystic acne

Many acne-prone shoppers splash out on expensive lotions and potions in bid to clear up their skin.

But some beauty fans claim the secret to a glowing complexion could be a no-frills cream from the chemist. 

The 10% Sulfur Ointment from US-brand De La Cruz sent Reddit users into a frenzy after one woman revealed it helped treat hard-to-clear cystic acne almost overnight.

The $6.95 (£5.40) cream claims to dry and clear acne pimples and blackheads and helps to prevent them from reforming. 

Miracle worker? The 10% Sulfur Ointment from US-brand De La Cruz, pictured, claims to dry and clear acne pimples and blackheads and helps to prevent them from reforming

Rave review: The product caused a stir on Reddit after one user praised its quick-acting results in a post, pictured. She tried the product on the recommendation of another user

Widespread praise: Amazon customers have also left five-star reviews for the product, although some noted that the cream can dry out your skin

Amazon customers are just as impressed, with dozens taking the time to leave five-star reviews of the product on the website. 

What is sulfur and what are the skincare benefits?

Sulfur is a chemical element with natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps clear bacteria that would otherwise cause acne. 

It also prevents new bacteria from manifesting on the skin’s surface.  

The ingredient also reduces the production of sebum in the skin, which leads to oiliness.

Finally sulfur strips away the top layer of skin, allowing a new layer of skin underneath regenerate and grow.

While this process of drying out the skin is beneficial for acne-sufferers who are prone to excess oil production, it can be damaging for those with dry skin as it could cause irritation and flakiness. 

The secret to its success is sulfur, a chemical element with natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps clear bacteria that would otherwise cause acne. It also prevents new bacteria from manifesting on the skin’s surface. 

The ingredient also peels away the top layer of skin to help the new layer of skin underneath regenerate and grow.

Reddit user The Quinn Bee explained she tried the product after reading a recommendation on the online forum.  

She wrote: ‘I had these two cystics that were driving me bonkers. They were freaking painful and noticeable and another was popping up. 

‘Someone here recommended sulfur cream. I slap some on for 10 minutes and wash it off. After a day I could double it up. The new one vanished like immediately. 

‘The old ones are nearly gone. I haven’t developed any new ones yet. It feels so freaking good not to have these painful cysts on my face.’

Dozens of other users agreed with the incredible results, with one writing: ‘Omg been here!! DelaCruz Sulfur cream from amazon…holy magic elixir.’   

Secret to its success: The cream, pictured, contains sulfur which acts as an exfoliant and also has anti-bacterial properties which means it can help kill bacteria that cause acne

Proven results: Other users commented to share their own stories about using the ointment

Delighted Amazon customers also shared their reviews. One mother shared: ‘My teenage son had horrible acne. We’ve tried so many products and nothing has worked. 

‘He puts this on at night and it’s like magic! You get results overnight!

‘Only downside is it does have a smell. But it’s easily taken care of by washing face in morning.’ 

Another wrote: ‘I tend to get large cystic pimples and nothing cleared it up, that is until I found this product! 

‘I’ve tried super expensive brands, treatments and so much more but nothing seemed to help. I can put this on for 20 mins and like magic the swelling, redness and breakouts are basically gone! Helps tremendously with scars and prevention!’ 

However others warned the product left their skin feeling dry and flaky. Others noted skin quickly builds up resistance to the ointment.  

This is not the first time that sulfur has been praised as an effective and quick-working solution to acne; the ingredient can also be found in a number of high-end skincare products – although they will cost you more than the budget-friendly De La Cruz ointment. 

Sunday Riley – a brand loved by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Jourdan Dunn – offers a sulfur acne treatment mask called Saturn that boasts a slew of five-star reviews on Sephora’s website. 

Fast-acting: Spot-prone shoppers have been pleased with how it tackles acne – however one person complained about the ‘oily’ consistency of the cream

Alternatives: Sulfur is known to be incredibly effective at tackling pimples, and is also used by some high-end brands – including Sunday Riley, which has a Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

Less impressed: Other Reddit users warned the product left their skin feeling dry and flaky

Dr Andrea Tomizawa of Northern Sydney Dermatology explained sulfur-based skincare products are only suitable for treating some forms of acne. 

Speaking to FEMAIL earlier this year, she said: ‘It’s effective for mild to moderate forms of acne, if you have oily skin but don’t have active acne, then treatment may not be required.’

But she warned ‘in patients with dry, sensitive or combination skin, it can cause irritation’.  

Dr Tomizawa advised those with moderate to severe acne to see a professional for a consultation as a combination of prescription products might work best.

‘Timely treatment that’s targeted for your type of acne and management that’s personalised will give you the best chance to clear it and get you back to your best self,’ she concluded.

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